Presented at the PSAT Parent Information Night at

Radnor High SchoolOctober 3, 2011

PSAT ADMINISTRATION AT RADNOR HIGH SCHOOL

PSAT ADMINISTRATION GRADES 9-11 RATIONALE

Has external relevance; Allows students to participate at no cost and during school hours; Provides detailed score reports for student use in preparation for SAT. Includes detailed support tools for using data to pinpoint instructional

gaps; Simplifies test scheduling and administration (2.25 hours, pencil &

paper, common in-school administration October 12, 2011); Correlates with improved SAT Scores (avg. 120 pt improvement); Provides opportunity for students to contend as National Merit

Finalists; Allows RHS to identify students who may wish to consider taking an

AP class. .

DETAILED STUDENT REPORTS(SEE HAND-OUT SAMPLE REPORT)

Provide Performance on individual skills; Correct answers with explanations; Personalized SAT study plan for each

student; Access to study resources; Scholarship program information; Access to SAT essay questions and real

student essays at each score level; Projected SAT scores.

WHAT WILL THE SCORES BE USED FOR? To pinpoint instructional gaps; To identify students with particular skill

gaps; To provide personalized tools for

success in school and later on the SAT; To identify students who may be good

candidates for AP classes. Colleges do not receive scores!

WHAT ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR IEP STUDENTS?

The deadline for ordering specialized tests or untimed test formats passed before we requested board approval to administer the test.

Any student who has been approved by CollegeBoard for extended time, extra breaks, or any other accommodation not requiring special materials will be tested using those accommodations unless we receive, in writing, a request to test under normal conditions.

PREPARING FOR THE PSAT

Preparation is not necessary, but students who are well-rested and who are familiar with the test form are likely to perform better.

The CollegeBoard has many tools to assist those who wish to prepare.

PREPARING FOR THE PSAT

Getting ready for the PSAT/NMSQT The PSAT does not require students to recall facts—even the math

formulas needed are supplied to them. Instead, the PSAT measures reasoning skills—for instance, knowing when to choose one of those math formulas and how to use it to arrive at the correct answer.

Long-term preparation It takes time to develop reasoning skills, and that's why the best

preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT is long term: Taking the most challenging courses students can handle Reading widely Writing frequently Studying hard Getting involved in problem-solving activities through clubs, sports,

hobbies, part-time jobs, etc. This is the same preparation necessary for the SAT®—and for success in

college-level course work.

PREPARING FOR THE PSAT

Short-term preparation Access resources on the CollegeBoard website

Test by Section: Take a closer look at the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills sections of the tests.

Approaches & Strategies: Tips on familiarizing your students with the PSAT/NMSQT before test day.

Resources & Tools: Downloads to help you prepare your students and their families for the PSAT/NMSQT.

PRACTICE TEST AVAILABLE

Full-Length Practice Test: Answers & Explanations

Answers and explanations for the questions in the full-length practice test included in the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide are available online.

RESOURCES FOR AFTER THE TEST

The score reports you and your child receive provide valuable information about your child’s academic strengths and challenges.

In December, Guidance Counselors will be teaching all 9th and 10th grade students, in Health classes, how to interpret and understand their PSAT score reports.

The CollegeBoard provides numerous other resources to assist you and your child in college planning.

THE PSAT SCORE REPORT

Provides a wealth of information about your child’s specific skill levels in math, reading and writing.

Scores are delivered in early December.

RESOURCES: MY COLLEGE QUICKSTART http://professionals.collegeboard.com/k-12/prepare/quickstart My Online Score Report—an enhanced score report that allows

students to review each test question, their answers, and the correct answers with answer explanations

My SAT Study Plan—a customized SAT study plan based on students' PSAT/NMSQT test performance, with hundreds of practice questions to help students improve their skills

My Personality—a detailed personality test that helps students learn about themselves and discover majors and careers that fit their strengths and interests

My Major & Career Matches—extensive information about majors and careers, including insights about what to expect and what courses to take now

My College Matches—a starter list of colleges based on students' home state and indicated choice of major

IN ADDITION TO THE BENEFITS FOR EACH STUDENT, RHS WILL GAIN VALUABLE INFORMATION TO ASSIST IN PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

Provide: Overall performance data: participation, scores, percentage of

students who are on track to be college-ready; Skill analysis: performance on individual skills; Question analysis: performance by question type to guide

assessment creation and practice; Comparable group analysis: comparisons with like demographic

groups to identify lower than expected performance; Detailed overview for curriculum planning: compilation of

strengths and weaknesses to guide curriculum revision and emphasis;

Clear direction for classroom activity: snapshot of skill gaps to provide to teachers for immediate response with current students.

TEACHER INVOLVEMENT

On the November 8, 2011 professional development day, a representative from the CollegeBoard will present a workshop to our teachers about how to use the test data.